Black Python (Viper)

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This article is about the Clan 'Mech with the Inner Sphere reporting name of "Viper". For other uses of that term, see Viper.
Black Python (Viper)
Black Python
Production information
Manufacturer New Kent Armorworks[1]
Production Year 3051[2]
Model Prime
Class Heavy
Cost 18,837,000 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 75 tons
Chassis Viper Endo Steel BP 2
Armor Armorweave NK 62 Ferro-Fibrous
Engine New Kent Model VII 375 XL
Communications System Unknown
Targeting Tracking System Unknown
Heat Sinks 13 Double Heat Sinks
Speed 86 km/h
Jump Jets Pryzhok
Armament
BV (1.0) 2,413[3]
BV (2.0) 2,813[4]


Description[edit]

The Black Python, which was designated the Viper by Inner Sphere forces, is similar in many ways to the Warhammer and Marauder BattleMechs. Though it is faster than those heavies, it has a similar weapons loadout with comparable damage, albeit with much more accurate damage potential. In order to achieve this, this expensive second-line 'Mech avails itself of all weight saving technologies that were at the disposal of the Clans, including an XL engine, Endo Steel frame, and eleven tons of ferro-fibrous armor. In addition to its speed, the Black Python mounts five jump jets that propel it up to 150 meters at a time.[5][6]

In the thirty-second century, the Raven Alliance restarted production of the Black Python, renaming it the White Raven. The White Raven was one of the first production BattleMechs to use Ferro-Lamellor armor.[7]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

Paired Large and Lambda Medium Pulse Lasers provide highly accurate firepower at range, while the 'Mech's speed allows it to close in on a target and use it's quartet of Chi Series Small Pulse Lasers. Two Series XIb Machine Guns provide more firepower at close range, and increase the Black Python's ability to annihilate unarmored infantry that stray too close. All of the lasers are made even more accurate by the inclusion of a Targeting Computer. Thirteen double heat sinks keep heat levels in check.[5][6]

Variants[edit]

  • Black Python
    A substantial redesign by Clan Steel Viper that changed the outward appearance of the Black Python. This model removes the large lasers of the original and replaces them with a pair of Omega Heavy Large Lasers. One jump jet is removed, lowering the 'Mech's jumping capacity to 120 meters. The added heat of the heavy lasers necessitated the inclusion of four additional double heat sinks. Even with that, enough tonnage was freed up to add another ton of armor. BV (1.0) = 2,201,[1] BV (2.0)= 2,421[12]
  • Black Python
    This variant of the 3 removes the Machine Guns and replaces them with an ER Medium Laser. This makes the design more effective against hardened targets and eliminates any ammo dependency, but makes the 'Mech slightly more vulnerable to infantry. BV (1.0) = 2,318, BV (2.0)= 2,594[13]
  • Black Python
    This variant was introduced by Clan Steel Viper. It replaces the traditional weaponry with a pair of ER PPCs, a Gauss rifle, and two Machine Guns. BV (2.0) = 2,925[14]
  • White Raven 
    The first White Raven keeps the same skeleton, engine, and jump capabilities of the Black Python, but is protected by fourteen and a half tons of Ferro-Lamellor armor. The weapons kit has also been updated. Two ER Large Lasers, two Medium Pulse Lasers, four ER Small Lasers, and two AP Gauss Rifles are present; All of these are tied into a Targeting Computer. Sixteen double heat sinks are installed as well. BV (2.0) = 2,941[15]
  • White Raven
    The White Raven 2 uses more advanced technology. An XXL engine maintains the top ground speed of 86 km/h, and eight Improved Jump Jets allow the 'Mech to cover 240 meters per jump. Like the White Raven it carries a Targeting Computer for its weapons. The armament includes two ER Small Lasers in each arm, a Large Pulse Laser in each side torso, and two Medium Pulse Lasers in the center torso. Ten double heat sinks are equipped. This variant, unlike the other White Raven, is protected by standard armor instead of Ferro-Lamellor. BV (2.0) = 2,703[16]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Black Python has the following Design Quirk:[17]

Notable Pilots[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was translated to Schwarzpython. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was altered to Kobra, which means Cobra.
  • Author Ashley Watkins stated in a blog entry that she designed stats and wrote background for Viper as originally published in TRO:3055.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, pp. 118–119: "Viper 3"
  2. MUL online date for the Black Python (Viper)
  3. Combat Operations, p. 109
  4. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 199
  5. 5.0 5.1 Technical Readout: 3055, pp. 126–127: "Viper OmniMech Profile"
  6. 6.0 6.1 Technical Readout: 3055 Revised, pp. 110–111: "Viper OmniMech Profile"
  7. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 10
  8. Combat Operations, p. 119
  9. Record Sheets: 3060, p. 199
  10. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 200
  11. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 36
  12. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 201
  13. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 202
  14. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 37
  15. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 38
  16. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 39
  17. BattleMech Manual, p. 95: Design Quirk Table - Black Python (Viper) Entry

Bibliography[edit]